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OInlumbia 



liaBljmgtott, i. C 
1904 



Chas. S. Bundy President 

1422 Kenesaw Avenue. 

Wm. H. Saunders isi Vice-President 

1308 Roanoke Street. 

E. G. JEFFERYS 2d Vice-President 

1225 Yale Street. 

Chas. F. Scott jof Vice-Presidejit 

Huron Apartment House, 1414 Binney Street. 

W. B. Todd Secretary 

1243 Kenesaw Avenue. 

Louis H. Stabler Treasurer and Ass't Scdy 

1 107 Yale Street. 



(EmatmittpF mt |JubItratiott 

Chas. S. Bundy 
George Simmons 
W. B. Todd 



A STATEMENT 



OF 



SOME OF THE ADVANTAGES 



OF 



Beautiful Columbia Heights 

A NEIGHBORHOOD OF HOMES 

Compiled and Arranged by 

The Columbia Heights Citizens' Association 



In behalf of the Columbia Heights Citizens' Association, we returu thanks to the 
public-spirited citizens whose generous contributions of personal efforts and funds 
have assured the successful publication and distribution of this pamphlet. 

If it shall aid in bringing desirable residents to this section and thereby contribute 
toward the realization of the Congressional plans for Greater Washington, this presen- 
tation of the commanding advantages of Columbia Heights will most satisfactorily 
accomplish the object of its publication. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 



Copyrighted 1904 by 

CoLfMHiA Heights Citizens' Association-, 

Washington, D. c. 



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Columbia Heights. 



Its Advantagfes as a Residence Section. 

Columbia Heights is an ideal section for homes. Every one 
of its residents thoroughly appreciates the advantages that he 
enjoys, and never ceases to sound the praises of the ' ' Heights. ' ' 
A few of these advantages are set forth in the following pages, 
published under the auspices of the Columbia Heights Citizens' 
Association. This Association has no pecuniary plans to ex- 
ploit. It is composed of public-spirited citizens, residents of 
the " Heights," ever alive to the mental, moral and material 
advancement of their home surroundings, and its leading pur- 
pose is to assist the Commissioners by its recommendation of 
needed public improvements in its own territory, and by its 
co-operation to aid in procuring the necessary legislation 
therefor. Its members also recognize the inestimable value of 
good neighbors, and therefore feel that home-seekers of the 
desired class should be informed of the facts commending the 
" Heights " to favorable consideration. 




Fairmont Seminary, N. K. Cor. 14U1 and Yale Streets 



Territory of the Columbia Heights Citizens^ Association. 

This territory extends from Florida Avenue on the south to 
Sprino: Road on the north, and from B'ightwood Avenue (Sev- 
enth Street) on the east to Fifteenth Street on the west. The 
territory is composed of a number of subdivisions, whose 
names, dates of establishment and relative locations may be of 
interest here. 




Residence of JIajor Richard Sylvester, 122^^ Roanoke Street 

As early as 1868 the small subdivisions of Prather, Wright 
& Cox, and Wright & Dole were established in the southeast 
corner of the tract, east of Sherman Avenue. In the same 
year, Todd & Brown's subdivision was laid out between 
Brightwood Avenue and the present Hleventh Street extended. 
The land between Eleventh and Fourteenth Streets was laid 
out as Columbia Heights in i88r and 1S82. Holmead, imme- 
diately north of Whitney Avenue, is the youngest of all the 
subdivisions east of Fourteenth Street, having been put upon 
record in July, 1883. 









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Residence OF JIr. Antonio Zetelle, 3101 14111 Street 

The other. subdivisions lie west of Fourteenth Street, and, in 
the order of their location north from Florida Avenue, are as 
follows : South Grounds of Columbian College, laid out in 
December, 1867 ; University Park, April 23, 1884; North 
Groundsof Columbian College, March 11, 1882 ; and John Sher- 
man's Subdivision of Mount Pleasant and Pleasant Plains, 
February 6, 1868. 

Historical Facts. 

All of the above-described territory is now popularly 
referred to as Columbia Heights, but special attention is here 
invited to a few historical facts about the subdivision laid out 
originally under that name. 

Columbia Heights proper occupies the land known as the 
"Stone Farm " in the early days of the District of Columbia. 
The first proprietor of the Stone farm was William J. Stone, 
senior, who was born in London, England, April 25, 1798, and 
who settled in Washington in 1815. He was an engraver, and 
he cut the fac-simile of the Declaration of Independence on 
copper for the Department of State in 1823. In 1842 he planned 
and built the house now occupying the northeast corner of 
Clifton and Thirteenth streets. This property, now known as 
" Calumet Place," was purchased by the friends of General 
John A. Logan and presented to him during his term as United 
States Senator, and since his death, it has been owned 
and occupied by his widow, Mrs. Mary A. Logan, 



The late Senator John Sherman bought the Stone farm in 
January, iSSi. It comprised 121.46 acres, and the considera- 
tion named in the deed of purchase is $175,000, With the ex- 
ception of " Calumet Place," it was platted into lots, blocks and 
streets in that year and the following year of 1882. 

Elevation and Temperature. 

In hot climates it is well recognized that the altitude com- 
pensates for latitude ; each elevation of a hundred feet, more 
or less, carrying with it a corresponding change in temperature. 
This holds good in the city of Washington and the District of 
Columbia, as everywhere else. Hence, in making choice of a 
place of residence, it is of prime importance that its precise ele- 
vation above sea level be ascertained. 

Comparative Elevations. 

The records of the Engineer Commissioner's office show that 
Pennsylvania Avenue, from the foot of Capitol Hill to the 
Treasury, is from 6 to 12 feet above mean low tide. Capitol Hill, 
including all that plateau east of the Capitol, at the highest 
point rises to 92 feet, but its average height is less than 90 feet. 

According to the same authority, the following are the ele- 
vations of the territory lying within the limits of the Associa- 
tion, and knowai by the general name of Columbia Heights : 

Lowest point (the intersection of Sherman and Grant 




Army and Navy Preparatory Echool, N. W. Cor. Princeloii and 13th Street.s 




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Residenci; oi' Mr. George Simmo.xs, S. K. Cor. nth and Roanoke Streets 

avenues, just east of Garfield Memorial Hospital), 121 feet above 
mean low tide. 

Average elevation, 180 feet. 

All the portion immediately bordering upon Fourteenth 
Street, from the top of the hill opposite Judge Harlan's house 
to the northward, 190 to 200 feet. 

Some Advantag:es of Elevation. 

Those who have tried each of the two locations as a resi- 
dence report that in summer nights the temperature of Colum- 
bia Heights is ten degrees less than that of Pennsylvania Ave- 
nue and adjacent streets. This has been demonstrated 
by practical tests. In ten degrees Fahrenheit, more or less, 
there is a powerful factor in the equation of comfort ; and its 
influence is constant in the direction of high lands. Comfort 
induces sleep, " tired Nature's sweet restorer." 

In hot summer nights, when open cars carry thousands in 
search of a charm that lulls to sleep, every northbound pas- 
senger up Fourteenth Street with his crossing of Florida 
Avenue, becomes a grateful witness to the soothing zephyrs of 
Columbia Heights. 

That even moderate elevation acts as a restorative of health is 
proved by the fact that many home-seekers, who had moved 
from one place to another for the benefit either of themselves 
or of delicate children, have finally settled in Columbia 
Heights, finding in it the object of their desires. 



Safegfuards. 

In conformity with his plan that the high lands north of 
Florida Avenue should furnish ideal residential sites, vSenator 
Sherman resolved that certain conditions essential to the ])est 
home surroundings, and yet conspicuously lacking in the 
earlier subdivisions, should be assured to Columbia Heights. 
Cliief among these conditions are space, sunlight, air, plant 
life — all tributary to health and contentment. 

Such conditions were guaranteed by his patting upon record 
in the Surveyor's office the covenant, to go into every deed," that 




Residence of Mr. William S. Bronson, 1115 Roanoke .Street 

the front building line of all lots north of Clifton Street is fixed 
at not less than 30 feet from the street line on which the lots 
front." The effect ofthis is that virtually 60 feet have been added 
to the width of all streets in the subdivision. Thus the space be- 
tween building lines is 120 feet, 3ofeet of which on each side being 
parking. While, under this provision, the cost of a building 
site has been increased, the value of the home has been more 
than proportionately enhanced. 

Another safeguard was guaranteed likewise by a covenant, in 
each deed, which prohibits liquor selling and all manufacturing 

13 




■4 



and mechanical trades— thus setting^ apart the subdivision ex- 
clusively for residential sites. This covenant, at least in its 
prohibition of the liquor traffic, was reinforced and strength- 
ened by a subsequent act of Congress forbidding the sale of 
intoxicating liquors, spirituous or malt, vi'ithin a radius of one 
mile on every side of the Soldiers' Home. All of Columbia 
Heights is within this protected territory. This interdict fur- 
nishes the best possible safeguard for the children and young 
men of Columbia Heights. 




Residence of Mr. R. J. Earnshaw, 1225 Clifton .Street 

Development in Popwiation and Material Wealth. 

Under these ideal conditions, the growth of Columbia 
Heights in population and material wealth has been rapid and 
pronounced, presenting to-day good streets (many of them 
well side-walked and shaded), excellent sewerage and water- 
service, and attractive residences with all modern improve- 
ments. Every urban convenience has been provided for the 
benefit of this population. Stores supplying the demands of 
housekeeping are in easy reach of all ; and all the facilities of 
postoffice, telegraph and express are at the service of the 
people. 

15 




iELMONT, Resideuce of LeDroit I^. Barber, Corner 14th and Clifton Streets 



To give an idea of the stable character of the population ot 
Columbia Heights, attention is called to the fact that nowhere 
else in the District do so large a proportion of the inhabitants 
own the buildings in which they live. 

Desirable Neighbors. 

Nowhere within the District of Columbia can be found a 
community freer from the objectionable classes than that on the 
" Heights " ; and there is every assurance that present condi- 
tions in this regard will continue in the future development and 
building up of the section. All are alive to the importance of 
co-operating to that end. 

Adornment of the Homes. 

In providing for the thirty feet of parking on each side of the 
streets the wise projector of Columbia Heights had undoubtedly 
in mind the adornment of that space by the cultivation thereon 
of plants and flowers, and that this happy conception has been 
followed by many of the residents is evidenced by the niimer- 
ous attractive homes which now delight and charm the vision. 

Real Estate Values. 

In a recent conversation about values on Columbia Heights, 
a leading real-estate broker expressed himself as follows : 

" Nowhere else in this city are values so stable as in this sec- 
tion. During the financial panic of 1893, when in other sec- 
lions building operations were at a standstill and sales of rare 

17 




Ki,.-,iiji..\^K ui- Mr. William Holmeaij, 3531 131I1 street 




Residenck or Mr. J. Whit Herron, 3536 13th Street 



18 



occurrence, hundreds of buildings were being erected on Co- 
lumbia Heights, and were rented or sold as soon as completed. 
This healthy condition still continues. In no other section, 
where houses are so readily sold at prices ranging from $6,000 
to $20,000, and are rented at from $40 to $72, can building lots 
be purchased so low, namely, 40 cents to $1 per foot— $1,200 
to $3,000 for a lot. It has been said that larger profits have 
been made from investments in this section than anywhere else 
in the District. The rapid growth of Columbia Heights, and 
its increase in values, are repeatedly referred to by promoters 
of subdivisions in other sections, who claim that their opera- 
tions will be attended with similar success. But it is doubtful 
if a safer investment can be made to-day than by putting money 
into Columbia Heights houses and lots." 

Churches. 
Five churches present the open door to all ; so that nobody 
will find any lack of gospel and sanctuary privileges on Co- 
lumbia Heights. St. Stephen's Protestant Episcopal Church 
and the Roman Catholic Shrine of the Sacred Heart are on 
Fourteenth Street ; the Fourth Presbyterian Church stands 
on the corner of Yale and Thirteenth Streets ; the Congrega- 
tional Church is on Columbia Road, and across the street 
therefrom is the Mt. Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Public Schools. 

In no other part of the National Capital has there been so 




Residence of Mr. Emil IJERLiNtR, 145S Columbia Road 
19 




Residence of Mr. H. H. Darxeille, 2523 13th Street 

Steady and rapid a growth in school facihties. Four first- 
class public schools are now maintained to accommodate the 
children of the Heights ; and Congress at its last session made 
adequate appropriation for a site and toward the construction 
of a new building, to relieve the crowded condition of the 
present schools. The new building will be erected on Har- 
vard Street, between Eleventh and Thirteenth Streets, acd will 
be named the "John W. Ross School," in honor of the late 
Commissioner of the District of Columbia, whose decease re- 
moved an enthusiastic resident of Columbia Heights. 

The plans of the authorities contemplate that at an early 
day the Washington Normal School, yet without a home, shall 
be located on the Heights, and that later a Northern High 
School shall be similarly located. 

These facts are significant of the rapid increase in population 
and of the educational advantages of Columbia Heights. 

Private Schools on the Heights. 

The District of Columbia has long been famous for the ex- 
cellence of its private schools. 

Fairmont Seminary, a select home and day school for girls 
and young ladies, at the corner of Fourteenth and Yale streets, 
deservedly stands in the front rank of private schools. 

The Army and Navy Prepar.-vtory School, one of the 
best and most thoroughly equipped of preparatory schools, 
is located at the northeast corner of Princeton and Thirteenth 
Streets. The school occupies the unique position of being the 
only large school in the country which has, in addition to the 







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Residence of Mr. John C. P'ay, 1326 Princeton Street 

ordinary academic work, developed courses that prepare young 
men for entrance to the National Academies and for commis- 
sions in the United States Army and Navy, including the 
Marine Corps. 

The Washington Christian College, for young men 
and young women, is situated at the southeast corner of Four- 
teenth Street and Kenesaw Avenue. It is undenominational, 
thorough and able. Its faculty, of which Daniel E. Motley, 
Ph. D. (of Johns Hopkins University), is president, consists of 
twelve professors, half of whom are graduates of leading 
universities. 

Fire and Police Protection. 

Excepting that portion situated north of Whitney Avenue 
all of the land embraced in the territory of the Association is 
within the fire limits, and as a consequence the erection of 
wooden buildings is excluded therefrom. 

For the protection of property against fire there are provided 
up-to-date engine and truck companies, which are effi- 
ciently officered and manned. The engine house, built in the 
summer of 1896, and now occupied by Company No. 11, is on 
Fourteenth Street, near Kenyon. The truck house (Truck E) 
is situated on Whitney Avenue, between Thirteenth and Four- 
teenth streets, and is of the most modern construction. 

The new police station. No. 10, said to be the best police 
equipment in the District, stands on Whitney Avenue, east 
of Sherman Avenue. 

23 




?4 



Apartment Houses and Hotels 

Apartment-house life is in evidence as much on Columbia 
Heights as elsewhere in the District ; and the number and 
capacity of the several structures have kept pace with other 
improvements. 

Beginning with Chapin Street, we find the Berkshire, with 
thirty-two apartments ; the Stockbridge, with ten ; and the 
Chapin, with forty-one. Ascending Fourteenth Street hill, we 
come next to the Victoria, at the corner of Welling Place, 




Residence of Mr. William D. West, 1312 Roanoke Street 

with thirt5'-two apartments ; the Kensington and Leamington, 
twin buildings, on the opposite side of the street, with ten apart- 
ments each ; the Olympia, at the corner of Roanoke Street, 
with twenty-two apartments, and the Harding, with eight. 
The Binney, with twelve apartments, and the King, with ten, 
are on Binney Street, near Fourteenth. Continuing out Four- 
teenth Street, we pass the Columbia, at the corner of Binney, 



with twenty-four apartments ; the Savoy, adjoining on the 
north, with thirty-six, and the Berwick, at the corner of Park 
Street, with seventeen apartments. 

There are eight other buildings, without names, on the west 
side of Fourteenth Street, each having apartments above the 
first floor. 

The Stratford, a hotel, at the corner of Sheridan Avenue and 
Fourteenth Street, has accommodations for nearly one hundred 
guests. 




Residenck of Mr. Leo Simmons, i;,2i Yale Street 

Street Railway Facilities. 

With the completion of the I'Meventh Street underground 
electric, for which the steel rails and other materials are 
already on the ground and the road-bed ready for the conduits, 
Columbia Heights will have three nearly parallel lines of street 
railway ; and a fourth line is only two short squares to the 
westward. Columbia Heights is therefore unrivalled in street 
railway facilities. 

26 




27 



Important Thoroughfares. 

Fourteenth Street is now the most important of the streets 
leading north from the city, and is, perhaps, destined ^o to con 
tiiiue. But certain topographical facts make Sherman Avenue 
a sharp riv^al as the main artery' of travel. Its grade being one- 
half tliat of Fourteenth Street, and onh' one-fourth that of 
Seventh Street, the superiority of Sherman Avenue for both 
light and heavy driving is obvious. 

Eleventh Street is comparatively undeveloped, and only its 
possibilities can now be spoken of. In regard to its location 
the fact may be stated that this street traverses the eastern 




Kksidicnci; OK Mk. Jami:s 1, \nmu'i<i;ii, 2511 14th Street 

slope of the most sightly and commanding eminence in the 
District. In elevation it may equal neither Fourteenth nor 
Sixteenth Streets ; but the view from it is wider and less ob- 
structed, because intervening hills that closely limit the land- 
scape from those streets fall away from this less pretentious 
thoroughfare. 

A different, but not less important, fact is that Eleventh 
Street opens the way of the home-.seeker to man^' desirable build- 
ing lots, hitherto inaccessible. These lots are offered at prices 

28 




29 




K. Corner of Harvard and 13th Streets. Built for sale by Mr. I,. E. Breuninger 



Still within the reach of persons of moderate means. Along Four- 
teenth Street and for a square on either side, prices have 
reached high figures ; but on Eleventh vStreet, and in its immedi- 
ate vicinity, the most eligible building lots can yet be bought 
of the original owners and at the most reasonable prices. 

Freedom from Overhead-Wire Nuisance. 
Columbia Heights is comparatively free from the over-head 
wire and pole nuisance (thanks to the untiring vigilance of its 
people and its Citizens' Association), and in the future it will 
continue to be the policy of the Association to work for the 
extension of the system of underground conduits. 

Probable Public Park. 
As the District Commissioners recognize the need of a public 
park in this section, and as they favor the appeals of the citi- 
zens therefor, it is more than probable that a suitable piece of 
ground of respectable dimensions will be set apart on Columbia 
Heights for the purpose in the near future. It is earnestly 
hoped and believed that the citizens of Columbia Heights, 
will put forth a prompt, determined and united effort in that 
behalf. 



30 



Columbia Heights — the One Favored Spot for a Home. 

It would be easy to mention the names of many distinguished 
men who, by settling in Columbia Heights, have practically 
acknowledged the advantages thereof as a residential section. 
The few such names that must here suffice must include those 
of Justice John M. Harlan, Justice William R. Day, Prof. S. P. 
Langley, Commissioner of Education William T. Harris, 
Director William M. Meredith of the Bureau of Engraving and 
Printing, Auditor W. E. Andrews, Assistant Postmaster-Gen- 
eral J. L. Bristow, Chief Clerk W. H. Michael of the State 
Department, Milton E. Ailes and L. White Busbey ; and also 
those of Commissioner H. L. West, Major Richard Sylvester 
(Superintendent of Police), and Assessor H. H. Darneille — three 
of the five highest officers of the District government. 

Illustrations. 

The half-tone cuts herein represent only a few specimen 
homes. Did space permit they could be multiplied many times 
over. 

The Future Home of the President, 

There are not a few who believe that from the beginning 
these heights have been destined to be the site of the new 
Presidential Mansion. It is well known that President Gar- 
field and Senator Sherman shared this belief ; and it may 
well be that the child is alreadj^ born who will see the future 
President seated upon the southern veranda of the Executive 
Mansion on the Heights, looking out upon a panorama that will 
include the Capitol and the Monument, with university and 
cathedral domes on either hand. 

A Wise Man^s Summary. 

A gentleman, of National reputation, who has just bought 
a house on Columbia Heights, thus summarizes : 

" I bought on Columbia Heights, because — 

" First. It is the highest point on the highlands surround- 
ing the city. It offers me a cool retreat after a hard day's 
work, and is only twenty minutes' ride from my office. 

" Second. It is free from malaria. 

" Third. I am near enough to Rock Creek and the Zoo to 
enjoy their benefits to the full, and yet far enough awaj^ to be 
exempt from the discomforts and annoyances, day or night, 
incident to residence in close proximity thereto. 

' ' Fourth. The Church and vSchool facilities afforded here are 
unrivalled elsewhere. 

' ' Fifth. Four street car lines insure safe and rapid transit 
to and from every part of the city." 




TiiF. White Hofsic 



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